Wide receiver Anquan Boldin is upended by Green Bay safety Jerron McMillian in the first quarter. Boldin caught 13 passes for 208 yards and a touchdown in his debut with the 49ers.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Wide receiver Anquan Boldin is upended by Green Bay safety Jerron...

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49ers lineman Alex Boone celebrates with Colin Kaepernick in the first half after one of Kaepernick's three touchdown passes.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

49ers lineman Alex Boone celebrates with Colin Kaepernick in the...

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Joe Staley, left, and Green Bay's Clay Matthews get into a fight after Matthews hit Colin Kaepernick when he was already out of bounds in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Green Bay Packers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif, on Sunday, September 8, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Joe Staley, left, and Green Bay's Clay Matthews get into a fight...

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49ers coach Jim Harbaugh congratulated Vernon Davis (85) after his first half touchdown Sunday September 8, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers open their 2013 season with a 34-28 victory against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

49ers coach Jim Harbaugh congratulated Vernon Davis (85) after his...

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Anquan Boldin runs into the end zone for the 49ers' second touchdown in the first half. The San Francisco 49ers played the Green Bay Packers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif, on Sunday, September 8, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Anquan Boldin runs into the end zone for the 49ers' second...

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Colin Kaepernick scrambles in the first quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Green Bay Packers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif, on Sunday, September 8, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Colin Kaepernick scrambles in the first quarter. The San Francisco...

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Colin Kaepernick (7) celebrated with Frank Gore (21) after Gore's touchdown in the second half Sunday September 8, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers open their 2013 season with a 34-28 victory against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Colin Kaepernick (7) celebrated with Frank Gore (21) after Gore's...

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Anquan Boldin (81) handed his touchdown ball to a fan (far right) in the first half Sunday September 8, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers open their 2013 season with a 34-28 victory against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Anquan Boldin (81) handed his touchdown ball to a fan (far right)...

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Colin Kaepernick completed a pass in the second quarter Sunday September 8, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers open their 2013 season with a 34-28 victory against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Colin Kaepernick completed a pass in the second quarter Sunday...

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Green Bay's Eddie Lacy (27) went over the top for a second half touchdown Sunday September 8, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers open their 2013 season with a 34-28 victory against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Green Bay's Eddie Lacy (27) went over the top for a second half...

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Vernon Davis (85) celebrated his second touchdown with Colin Kaepernick (7)in the third quarter Sunday September 8, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers open their 2013 season with a 34-28 victory against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Vernon Davis (85) celebrated his second touchdown with Colin...

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Anquan Boldin sat on the ground after being injured briefly in the second half sunday September 8, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers open their 2013 season with a 34-28 victory against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Anquan Boldin sat on the ground after being injured briefly in the...

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Green Bay's Eddie Lacey (27) is sandwiches between 49er defenders Sunday September 8, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers open their 2013 season with a 34-28 victory against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Green Bay's Eddie Lacey (27) is sandwiches between 49er defenders...

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Colin Kaepernick took off on a running play for a big gain the second half Sunday September 8, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers open their 2013 season with a 34-28 victory against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Colin Kaepernick took off on a running play for a big gain the...

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Tarell Brown (25) recovered a fumble in the first quarter that set up a touchdown Sunday September 8, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers open their 2013 season with a 34-28 victory against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Tarell Brown (25) recovered a fumble in the first quarter that set...

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Green Bays Micah Hyde (33) was late to a catch by Anquan Boldin in the first half Sunday September 8, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers open their 2013 season with a 34-28 victory against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Green Bays Micah Hyde (33) was late to a catch by Anquan Boldin in...

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Anquan Boldin celebrated a completion on the Packer side of the field in the second half Sunday September 8, 2013.The San Francisco 49ers open their 2013 season with a 34-28 victory against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Anquan Boldin celebrated a completion on the Packer side of the...

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David Bakhtiari (69) and Aldon Smith (99) got their helmets stuck together in the first half Sunday september 8, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers open their 2013 season with a 34-28 victory against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

David Bakhtiari (69) and Aldon Smith (99) got their helmets stuck...

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Colin Kaepernick threw for a completion in the first half Sunday September 8, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers open their 2013 season with a 34-28 victory against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Colin Kaepernick threw for a completion in the first half Sunday...

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Aaron Rodgers loses the ball in a play during the first series Sunday September 8, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers open their 2013 season with a 34-28 victory against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Aaron Rodgers loses the ball in a play during the first series...

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Colin Kaepernick (7) throws a touchdown to Vernon Davis in the third quarter Sunday September 8, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers open their 2013 season with a 34-28 victory against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Colin Kaepernick (7) throws a touchdown to Vernon Davis in the...

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Colin Kaepernick changed direction on a run in the first half Sunday September 8, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers open their 2013 season with a 34-28 victory against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Colin Kaepernick changed direction on a run in the first half...

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Aldon Smith (99) wraps up Aaron Rodgers on the last play of the game Sunday September 8, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers open their 2013 season with a 34-28 victory against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Aldon Smith (99) wraps up Aaron Rodgers on the last play of the...

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Colin Kaepernick worked out on the field before the start of the game Sunday September 8, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers open their 2013 season against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Colin Kaepernick worked out on the field before the start of the...

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Aaron Rodgers (12) is brought down by Kendall Hunter (35) on a keeper in the second half Sunday September 8, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers open their 2013 season with a 34-28 victory against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Aaron Rodgers (12) is brought down by Kendall Hunter (35) on a...

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Colin Kaepernick, the 49ers quarterback, stretched before the start of the contest Sunday September 8, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers open their 2013 season against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Colin Kaepernick, the 49ers quarterback, stretched before the start...

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Anquan Boldin (81) headed downfield after a completion in the second half Sunday September 8, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers open their 2013 season with a 34-28 victory against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Anquan Boldin (81) headed downfield after a completion in the...

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Colin Kaepernick stretched before working out before the game Sunday September 8, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers open their 2013 season against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Colin Kaepernick stretched before working out before the game...

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Anquan Boldin (81) broke a tackle and headed upfield after a catch in the second half Sunday September 8, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers open their 2013 season with a 34-28 victory against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif.

Perhaps the Packers also should have enrolled in a Defending the Drop-back Quarterback tutorial in the offseason.

Eight months after Colin Kaepernick left tire tracks on Green Bay's defense with his legs, he undid the Packers with his arm Sunday.

In the 49ers' season-opening 34-28 win at Candlestick Park, Kaepernick threw for a career-high 412 yards and three touchdowns and led a game-winning, fourth-quarter drive capped by Frank Gore's 1-yard run with just less than six minutes left.

What about his running out of the read-option? That was non-existent. Instead, Kaepernick scrambled for 22 yards, 159 fewer than he collected last season in a 45-31 divisional-playoff win that inspired the Packers' defensive staff to take an offseason trip to Texas A&M for a read-option primer.

The lesson hammered home in Sunday's exam? Pick your poison. This man is a migraine.

Despite the loss, the Packers' trip to College Station, Texas, appeared to be worthwhile. After Green Bay surrendered 323 rushing yards and 7.5 yards a carry in January, the 49ers managed 90 yards and 2.6 yards a rush Sunday.

The Packers' commitment came with a cost. In his 11th career start, Kaepernick's passing yards ranked 11th in franchise history and his 129.7 passer rating was the second-best mark of his career. His arm also helped wide receiver Anquan Boldin enter the record books in his debut with the 49ers. Boldin had 13 catches (tied for fourth in franchise history), 208 yards (eighth) and a touchdown.

For the Packers, the 49ers' offense looked different, but the results were frustratingly similar. In its past two games against San Francisco, Green Bay has allowed 79 points, 1,073 yards and 7.2 yards per play.

"I think we did a good job of showing that we're not a read-option team," 49ers tackle Joe Staley said. "It's a wrinkle in our offense. We have various ways that we can move the ball. You put up (494) yards of offense, teams are going to have to notice that. You want to focus on stopping the run and all that? We can move the ball up and down the field other ways."

In the days leading to the game, the Packers' eagerness to hit Kaepernick became a major story line. Noting a rule that allows defenders to tackle quarterbacks when they fake read-option handoffs, linebacker Clay Matthews said the Packers planned to make the 49ers reconsider using that package of plays: "You have to take your shots on the quarterback," he said.

On Sunday, Kaepernick didn't run out of the read-option - and he wasn't hit after a handoff - but Matthews got a memorable shot on him. At the end of second-quarter scramble, Matthews belted Kaepernick when he was few feet out of bounds, drawing a personal-foul penalty. Staley retaliated by grabbing Matthews and a spirited scrum ensued, with Staley also getting flagged.

"The comments that he made kind of registered in my mind when I saw that hit," Staley said. "So I wanted to go over here and tell him that wasn't going to happen today."

Actually, Staley's message in support of his quarterback was a bit more colorful: "It was something like 'Expletive. Expletive. Expletive. Thank you,' " Staley said, laughing.

After the pushing subsided, the 49ers replayed the down. And Kaepernick forcefully answered Matthews' late shot with his arm: On 3rd-and-6 from Green Bay's 10-yard line, he found Boldin streaking across the middle for a touchdown and a 14-7 lead.

During the mild melee, Staley noted Kaepernick, who didn't retaliate, "had a lot more composure than his left tackle." And that was clear throughout the game as the Packers routinely chirped at Kaepernick after plays.

The quarterback's response? Yawn.

"I'm not worried about what people are saying," he said. "If intimidation is your game plan, I hope you have a better one."

Kaepernick's poise was most obvious late in the fourth quarter.

With the 49ers leading 31-28, they faced 4th-and-2 at Green Bay's 36-yard line with 3:00 left. Kaepernick rolled right and looked for Boldin, who initially was blanketed. Kaepernick held the ball an extra few beats, Boldin broke free and the duo connected for a 15-yard gain. That play helped set up a field goal with 26 seconds left.

"He could have tried to stick it into Anquan on the break, but kept the play alive, just cool as could be and then made a perfect strike," head coach Jim Harbaugh said. "I think that pretty much summed up his whole day."

Indeed, it was a day in which the record-breaking runner was mostly a drop-back passer.

Entering Sunday's game, Kaepernick owned the single-game NFL record for the most rushing yards by a quarterback, had the franchise record for the longest run by a QB and had the longest touchdown run by a QB in Super Bowl history.

But he's not just a running quarterback. And he's not merely a pocket passer. On Sunday, he was someone the ultra-studious Packers had no answers for.

"The sky's the limit for him," Staley said. "He's a talent that I don't think the NFL has seen yet."